Pinella

The Pinella grape is a rare and fascinating white variety with uncertain origins, though most experts trace its roots back to Friuli-Venezia Giulia in northeastern Italy. Once cultivated more widely in this region, it has nearly disappeared from Friuli today. Its true home is now in Veneto, particularly in the province of Padua and the picturesque Euganean Hills (Colli Euganei), where it is preserved by a handful of dedicated growers.

Traditionally, Pinella is vinified in blends with other local grape varieties to produce youthful, lively wines that highlight freshness and drinkability. While not widely known outside its territory, this grape represents an important piece of Veneto’s wine heritage and adds depth and character to the region’s winemaking traditions.

The Pinella vine is known for its distinctive bunches and berries. The cluster is medium to small, conical, stocky, and very compact, often with a small “wing.” The berries are medium-sized, spheroid or slightly oval, with a thin, delicate skin that has a golden-yellow hue turning coppery at full ripeness. The skin is slightly waxy and not very resistant, contributing to the grape’s delicate aromatic profile. The leaf is medium-sized, pentagonal, and three-lobed, showing the classic features of old Italian native varieties.

When vinified, Pinella produces pale yellow wines with bright highlights. The nose is floral and fruity, offering aromas of citrus and tropical fruit, most notably grapefruit and pineapple, with delicate floral undertones. On the palate, the wine is dry, fresh, and savory, balanced by a soft texture and good body. Its persistence is notable, with a slightly almond-like finish that enhances its finesse and gives the wine a refined and distinctive character.

In the Euganean Hills, Pinella is often used in blends to craft young, approachable wines that pair beautifully with light Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood, vegetable-based dishes, and soft cheeses. Its balance of fruitiness, freshness, and minerality reflects the volcanic soils of the Colli Euganei and the long tradition of viticulture in this part of Veneto.